Dealing with California Highway Patrol on Load-Securing Issues

Question:

Lately, there have been reports of issues with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) stopping individuals for securing loads using side holes on trailers. The CHP claims that loads must be chained to a rated attachment point, such as a D-ring. However, the California Trucking Association confirms that there is no law mandating this. If you have received a ticket for this reason, please share the details with us so we can address it with the CTA.

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It appears that the regulations for securing loads are similar in both countries, with the key requirement being that all securing components must be certified for their intended load. In Norway, trailer producers must provide a certificate proving that tie-down spots, welds, and construction are certified to a specific strength and direction. This certificate must be shown to the Department of Transportation during registration and kept on hand while on the road. Using a D-ring for securing loads can make it easier to document strength compared to using a hole in the trailer. It seems that the California Highway Patrol may be emphasizing the importance of proper certification for trailer users. Equipment spots also require proper documentation, which can be a challenging issue for many producers. Let's discuss further on this topic.

It's unbelievable how California is in need of financial resources and this is the approach they are taking to address it.

Hey Chaz, will you be distributing W.L.L. stickers for the frame holes? Count me in for a set of professional stickers. With T-1 steel being used, it's likely that it will far exceed the strength of a G-100 grab hook before the 110,000 PSI steel fails. The only time I faced an issue was with a small 6K forklift. The operator claimed that my setup of 2 chains and 4 binders with slack in the middle wasn't a "legal 4 point tiedown." I argued that if one chain segment breaks, there are still three others supporting the weight, making it a 4 point tiedown.

Dualie inquired if Chaz will be distributing W.L.L. stickers for the frame holes. Count him in for a professional quantity. Using T-1 steel, it can be assumed that the strength will far surpass a G-100 grab hook before the 110,000 PSI steel gives way. Despite once facing scrutiny with a 6K forklift due to a perceived lack of a "legal 4 point tiedown," Dualie argued that having two chains and four binders with slack in the middle still constituted a secure tiedown. He expressed frustration with inconsistent enforcement by the CHP regarding tiedown rules. The W.L.L. stickers are currently in production and will be available in a few weeks. Similar issues have been faced with trucks having just one chain with slack in between, resulting in citations. It appears that the CHP may apply rules inconsistently and fail to enforce regulations already established. However, there is confidence in the strength of the equipment, with assurance that a chain will break before causing damage to the trailer.

Chaz Murray mentioned that the printing process is currently underway and the items should be ready in a few weeks. Our trucks have faced issues with loose chains, similar to what you have mentioned. Dealing with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) can be frustrating as they sometimes seem to create rules on the spot and neglect to enforce existing ones. However, there is no need to worry as the chains are sturdy enough to prevent any damage to the trailer. While I understand being targeted, my frustration lies in the fact that worn-out trucks are allowed to operate without proper inspection.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. What are the reported issues with the California Highway Patrol regarding load-securing methods? - There have been reports of CHP stopping individuals for securing loads using side holes on trailers, claiming that loads must be chained to a rated attachment point like a D-ring.

FAQ: 2. Is there a law in California mandating specific attachment points for load securing?

Answer: - The California Trucking Association confirms that there is no law in place mandating loads to be chained to a specific attachment point like a D-ring.

FAQ: 3. What should I do if I have received a ticket from the CHP for using side holes to secure my load?

Answer: - If you have received a ticket for this reason, please share the details so it can be addressed with the California Trucking Association for clarification and resolution.

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